One Person, One Vote - It's the Law
The Municipality of West Grey takes its responsibility to run fair and secure democratic elections seriously and has processes in place to do so. The 2022 Municipal Elections will offer a choice of internet or telephone voting.
Voting online or by telephone is a fast, convenient and secure way to vote. It has been previously used successfully by many municipalities, including West Grey for the 2018 municipal and school board elections.
Voter Eligibility
To be eligible to vote in the municipal elections you must be:
- A Canadian citizen;
- At least 18 years of age on or before Voting Day (October 24, 2022);
- A resident, owner or tenant of land in the Municipality of West Grey, or the spouse of such tenant or owner; and
- Not otherwise prohibited by law from voting.
Note: only residents are eligible to vote for a School Board Trustee.
Whether eligible voters choose to vote online or by telephone, the following important information applies:
Only open your own Voter Information Letter (VIL)
Voter Information Letters (VIL) will be sent by early October to individuals on the Voters’ List. The Voters’ List is created from a Preliminary List of Electors provided to the municipality by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), which municipalities are required to use.
It is a Criminal Code offence to tamper with mail, which includes opening a VIL other than your own. If your household receives a VIL for a former resident who is no longer an eligible voter, such as a family member who moved, do not open or forward it. Mark the envelope “Return to Sender” and drop it in a mailbox. You can also drop it off at the West Grey police station or municipal office.
Keep your Information Secure
Eligible voters should not share their VIL or Voting PIN with anyone, including any candidates or municipal staff. Candidates and are not permitted to assist a voter in using the internet or telephone voting system.
In addition to the information in the VIL, additional steps are required to validate your identity when voting online. Voters will also be required to make a legal Declaration of Qualification confirming their eligibility, similar to in-person voting. It is illegal to vote when you are not eligible to do so.
It is illegal to vote more than once
Under law, eligible voters can only vote once in the municipal elections regardless of how many properties they own or rent in that municipality. The internet and telephone voting system used by the municipality can flag irregular voting occurrences for further investigation. The municipality will pursue individuals who commit voter fraud. Anyone with evidence of voter fraud should contact West Grey Police Services. On conviction, any individual found to have voted more than once can face a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
Requests to be added to the Voters’ List require identification
If you do not receive a VIL by October 14, 2022, please submit a request to be added to the Voters’ List by visiting the municipal office or emailing election@westgrey.com. Applications to be added to the Voters’ List must include identification that shows both name and address.
All requests are reviewed by an Election Official to determine if a VIL should be issued. Election staff have the authority to decline any application to amend the Voters’ List if they are not satisfied that the person making the application is permitted to do so, or if they are not satisfied that the person is an eligible voter.
Anyone submitting false information, on conviction, can face a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
Need Help?
For voter assistance, email election@westgrey.com or call 519-369-2200. Staff are available during regular business hours, and October 24th from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
